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Directional Drill Operator Jobs in Rochester, NY

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Directional Drill Operator information

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$13

$27

$50

How much do directional drill operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for directional drill operator in Rochester, NY is $27.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.62 and $30.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do directional drill operators get paid?

Directional drill operators typically earn between $20 and $35 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled operators with specialized equipment or in high-demand areas may earn higher wages.

Is a directional drill operator a good career?

A directional drill operator is a skilled tradesperson responsible for operating specialized drilling equipment to install underground utilities and infrastructure. The job offers steady employment, competitive wages, and opportunities for advancement, especially with experience and certifications. It often involves working outdoors in various weather conditions and requires physical stamina and safety training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a directional drill operator?

To thrive as a Directional Drill Operator, you need a solid understanding of drilling techniques, site safety protocols, and equipment operation, typically gained through hands-on experience or vocational training. Familiarity with drill rigs, locator systems, mud mixing systems, and certifications such as OSHA safety training are usually required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and teamwork skills help operators adapt to site-specific challenges and collaborate effectively with their crew. These abilities are vital to ensure efficient, precise drilling operations and to maintain a safe work environment.

What is a directional drill operator?

A Directional Drill Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining horizontal directional drilling (HDD) equipment to install underground utilities such as fiber optic cables, pipelines, and conduits. They read blueprints, locate existing utilities, and ensure precise boring to avoid damage. Operators work in various environments, adjusting to different soil conditions and obstacles. Safety, accuracy, and efficiency are key aspects of the role.

What are the typical working conditions and team structure for a directional drill operator?

As a Directional Drill Operator, you generally work outdoors in variable weather conditions, often as part of a small, specialized crew on construction or utility sites. Your day-to-day responsibilities may include operating and maintaining drilling equipment, coordinating with project managers and locators, and troubleshooting technical issues on site. Collaboration is important, as you’ll frequently interact with crew members, safety inspectors, and project supervisors to ensure smooth workflow. The team structure is usually hands-on and task-oriented, with opportunities for advancement as you gain experience and demonstrate leadership qualities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Directional Drill Operator jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Directional Drill Operator jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Directional Drill Operator jobs in Rochester, NY? For Directional Drill Operator jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Directional Drill Operator jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Directional Drill Operator jobs in Rochester, NY are:
Infographic showing various Directional Drill Operator job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,145 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Electrical-Industrial Equipment Assembler

Gleason

Rochester, NY • On-site

$20.38 - $33.96/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

About Gleason
With more than 2,200 employees and 13 manufacturing facilities worldwide, Gleason Corporation is a leader in gear technology. Gleason's product and service offerings include gear and transmission design software, gear manufacturing machines and related accessories, gear metrology equipment and automation systems. Gleason products are used by customers in e-mobility, commercial vehicles, aerospace, agriculture, mining, sustainable energy, construction, power tools, marine and many other industries
Working for Gleason, you will be connected to work that matters, putting your expertise to its best use while developing skills for the future. The result is a career defined by you, supported by Gleason and built on tangible accomplishments. As we continue to grow and evolve, we are looking for the right people to join us on our mission. If you are interested in being part of our team, there are a few things you should know: We are energized by challenges and the effort needed to solve them. We like working with people who are positive, adaptable and growth-minded. We care how work gets accomplished and are deeply invested in the success of our customers and colleagues. If this sounds like you, we invite you to read on and learn more.
Why work at Gleason?
  • Excellent benefits package including a 6% Company 401(k) match
  • Flexible scheduling options available in some departments
  • NYS Certified Apprenticeship Program
  • Shift premiums for 2nd and 3rd shifts
  • Formal and informal development opportunities.

Position Summary:
The primary focus of this role is the wiring of automated industrial manufacturing equipment under the direction of others, including electrical wiring, pneumatic plumbing and other associated tasks. Preparation, finishing and other general support tasks are also required. Electrical aptitude, ability to learn, flexibility and dependability are all essential.
Job Responsibilities:
Level I
Electrician
  • Field wire, terminate, troubleshoot
  • Reading, understanding, and correcting electrical schematics
  • Installing electrical components
  • Installation and termination of wires and cables
  • Installation and connection of pneumatic components
  • Printing and Installation of labels and tags
  • Cutting and preparing material for assembly
  • Collecting and organizing components needed
  • Organization and cleanup of work areas
  • Understand the build process
  • Initial machine and component power-up
  • Fuse, input and output (I/O) checks
  • Troubleshoot and debug (power on)
  • Use test and diagnostic instruments such as digital multi-meters
  • Identify issues and work with Engineering for resolution (Redlines)
  • Solder outlets, connectors, wires, etc.
  • Assist with Mechanical Assembly as needed

Mechanical Assembler
  • Build/assemble subassemblies
  • Install subassemblies into main assembly
  • Cutting and preparing material for assembly
  • Collecting and organizing components
  • Follow build procedures and best practices
  • Identify and communicate build issues
  • Use power tools in a safe and responsible manner
  • Disassemble machines and prepare to ship
  • Maintain a clean working area
  • Identify potential design issues and offer solutions
  • Basic operation of tool room equipment (lathe, mill, drill press, etc.)
  • Build/assemble critical subassemblies (requires more attention to detail, precision)
  • Assume Build Lead responsibility on specific machine builds
  • Teach/train new hires/contractors
  • Run cables and field wire
  • Label cables and I/O
  • Helps to develop best practices and build procedures
  • Support Field Service through consultation and/or travel

Level II
Proficient in all of Level I responsibilities as well as:
Electrician
  • Setup hardware configuration
  • Load program to PLC
  • Setup Robot and program
  • Assist Engineering with hardware design
  • Train other employees as required
  • Provide written and verbal support to Field Service
  • Assist Machine Qualification Operators, Engineering and others during machine qualification/inspection process and root cause analysis activities

Mechanical Assembler
  • Work with Engineering on development of subassemblies
  • Participate as an active member of design reviews

Additional Responsibilities
  • Provide Logistics support (shipping, receiving, inventory mgmt. as required)

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities):
  • Strong industrial electrical experience and aptitude.
  • Ability to learn and progress.
  • Punctuality and dependability.
  • Attention to details.
  • Ability to routinely lift, bend, climb ladders, balance
  • Ability to move and carry items that are sometimes heavy.
  • Have Strong Communication Skills
  • Work effectively in a team environment
  • Self-starter. Ability to identify and execute next step

Preferred Education/Training/Experience:
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Experience electrician on industrial Manufacturing equipment.
  • Experience in: High Voltage (3-Phase 480VAC), Low Voltage, Servo Motors, Running and dressing wires and cables and Electrical Trouble Shooting.
  • Forklift license

Computer Skills:
  • Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Outlook
  • Internet/Intranet
  • CAD/Draft Sight
  • SAP

Travel Requirements:
  • Travel to customers / trade shows may be required <20%

The salary range in this posting depends on qualifications and experience. Actual compensation may vary, and this job posting is not necessarily reflective of actual compensation that may be earned, nor a promise of any specific pay for any specific employee, which is always dependent on relevant experience, qualifications/education, and other factors including work schedule, shift premiums, and overtime.
Gleason is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to age, disability, genetic information and/or predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, national origin, race/color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, victim of domestic violence status, arrest or conviction record, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.
MANUFACTURING ENVIRONMENT
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job in a manufacturing environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Employees are required to use proper lift assistance for any objects over 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job may include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job in a manufacturing environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts; wet and/or humid conditions; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions; extreme heat; risk of electrical shock; and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, experience and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed. Employees are required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties requested by their manager or supervisor.
DISCLAIMER
The duties listed in this job description are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed and is not an all inclusive summary of job duties and responsibilities. The omission of specific statements or duties and responsibilities does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the Company as the needs of the Company and requirements of the job change.